What Teachers Wish Parents Really Knew

We talked to real NJ teachers to find out what they'd love to tell parents.

Published: August 26, 2016

“Teachers want success for all their students.” —Danielle, Third Grade

"I’m a high school teacher, but it’s still sort of like middle school. I tell parents to check their kids’ backpacks, and not to believe them when they say they don’t have any homework.”—Sandra, Ninth Grade

“It’s so important to talk to your child every day. It’s crucial for parents to feed their kids positive reinforcement to make sure they develop high self-esteem and the confidence they need to face both school and social pressures.”—Cynthia, First Grade

“Encourage your child to communicate with teachers in face-to-face conversations as well as email. Students are afraid to, and it’s an important skill to start learning in middle school.” —Jennifer, Eleventh and Twelfth Grade

“Being in a classroom environment is completely different than being at home, so it’s 100 percent possible your kid may act differently at school than she does at home with her siblings.”—Kaleigh, Preschool

“Don’t worry if you don’t understand your child’s homework or the way he’s learning a topic. If he’s having trouble with an assignment, let him do the best he can. Just send a quick note to the teacher saying he needs help.” —Jennie, Third Grade

“Sports and extracurricular activities are often blamed for lower grades with the expectation that a teacher will give their child a second chance. It’s important for parents and students to balance a demanding schedule with reality—be aware of what your children can handle, and understand when their schedules are too burdensome.”—Donna, Ninth Grade